Bashar Al Assad's latest speech, 21 months into Syria's uprising, drew scorn from netizens around the world. Many are also dismayed that not much is being done to alleviate the suffering of Syrians. Around 60,000 people have reportedly been killed, food and fuel are scarce and millions are homeless, either internally displaced by the crisis or living in refugee camps in neighbouring countries.

On Twitter, many reacted to his speech as he was speaking under the amusing hashtag #DonkeySpeech[2].

Saudi Ahmed bin Rashid bin Saeed jokes:

@LoveLiberty:[3] #DonkeySpeech I disagree with this hashtag. I believe it violates the rights of this peaceful and obedient animal, adding to it's misery

[4]

A sign in Yabroud, Damascus suburbs: “I don't care if you support or oppose [Assad]. Respect yourself by respecting me.” Photograph shared by @Basma_[4] on Twitter

As Assad wrapped up his speech, Abdullah reacts:

@SyrianSmurf[5]: That scene towards the end of Animal Farm when the Pigs are speaking and the sheep clap comes to mind… #DonkeySpeech

The 47th adds:

@THE_47th[6]: As he finished his speech, the sheep around him all chanted in one voice: “Shabbeeha [thugs], forever.. Just for you.. Al Assad” #DonkeySpeech